Guide Me If You Dare novel Chapter 97

Chapter 97: WHEN GUIDES UNITE

"THEN the serial killer probably knows that we already know about their existence— and that they’re here in Korea," Moon Noa said in a serious tone. "I guess Haru-nim’s arrival in our country gave them an idea."

Oho?

Yuno realized that Moon Noa was serious because he addressed Haru formally instead of calling him ’Haruharu.’

Sajangnim looks pretty cool when he’s not acting goofy— just like now.

It actually reminded him of the cold and aloof Moon Noa who saved him from the Lab a few years ago.

"That and probably because Chinese Espers have arrived in Korea as well," Bambi said while nodding. "The serial killer knows they’re being hunted by both the Japanese and the Chinese government. There’s no way the serial killer wouldn’t realize that Korea is already aware of their crimes."

"They seem to be in a hurry," Moon Noa said. "They probably knew they didn’t have the luxury to hunt down the elite Korean Guides since both Japan and China are after their throat. That’s probably why they’re trying to provoke us— they want us to get angry and confront them instead of hiding behind our Espers’ backs."

"And it’s working," Yuno said. If it was a normal situation, he would have just shut his mouth and listened. But he couldn’t just stay still and do nothing. "We should attack first instead of waiting for another Guide to be the serial killer’s next victim."

None of the Guides was against what Yuno said.

We’re all out for blood here.

"Guide Noh Yuno-ssi, it could have been you instead of Guide Choi Kangmin-ssi," Bambi said bluntly. "The serial killer seemed like he made a mistake because he thought Guide Kangmin-ssi was still a part of the Top 5. He probably didn’t get the news of Guide Noh Yuno-ssi taking Guide Choi Kangmin-ssi’s place because he was running away from the authorities. Had the serial killer known, they would have probably gone after you instead of Guide Choi Kangmin-ssi."

Yeah, that was something Yuno had already figured out when the serial killer said they "killed the wrong person."

And it wasn’t just me.

Since the Guides and Espers in the room were all quick-witted, everyone probably realized that as well. But none of them brought it up— except for Bambi.

But I think I know why Team Leader Bambi-ssi is provoking me.

"What do you think you’re doing, Bambi?" Ki Gayoon asked coldly. "If you’re just going to blame my Guide for something he has nothing to do with, then we’re leaving. I won’t let you make Noh Yuno feel guilty for his fellow Guide’s death."

"Did my Guide say something wrong, though?" Ryu Sungbin retorted. "Ki Gayoon, you’re being too sensitive."

Of course, Ki Gayoon didn’t take that well.

Aigoo.

"Esper Ryu Sungbin-ssi is right— Team Leader Bambi-ssi didn’t say anything wrong," Yuno said bluntly, earning him a glare from Ki Gayoon. But he just ignored his Esper since he wasn’t done talking yet. "It’s true that the serial killer might have gone after the "last place" among the Top 5 Espers’ Guides, and that position belongs to me. However, I’m confident that I wouldn’t have been his first victim."

Bambi raised an eyebrow at him. "Are you that confident because you have Esper Ki Gayoon-ssi? But, Guide Noh Yuno-ssi, remember this: According to our investigation, Esper Yang Youngjae-ssi only left Guide Choi Kangmin-ssi alone for five minutes. He didn’t hear or feel anything strange during those five minutes; hence he failed to come to his Guide’s rescue. Don’t be too complacent just because your Esper is strong."

"I’m confident not because of Esper Ki Gayoon-ssi, but because of my own ability," Yuno said bluntly, surprising Bambi. "I’m confident that I could have survived for five minutes, or at least until my Esper comes to my rescue, because of my skills."

Now everyone’s attention was focused on Yuno— especially the attention of his fellow Guides.

I must have sounded arrogant.

"Team Leader Bambi-ssi, I know you’re making me feel guilty on purpose because you want my cooperation," Yuno said, making Bambi flinch as he hit the bull’s eye. "You don’t have to provoke me— I want to catch the serial killer, after all."

"That’s good to hear," Bambi said while nodding. "Actually, Guide Moon Noa-ssi and I have already talked about what to do next."

Now everyone’s attention turned to Moon Noa.

"We’re going to have a lavish welcome party for you, Guide Noh Yuno-ssi, as the new member of the new Top 5," Moon Noa said, addressing Yuno formally. "In short, we’re going to lure out the serial killer."

"I object," Ki Gayoon said. "You’re going to use my Guide as bait? Hell no."

"Hyung, I appreciate your concern, but I want to do this," Yuno said firmly. "Sajangnim, Team Leader Bambi-ssi, can we ask the Espers to leave the room?"

"Noh Yuno," Ki Gayoon called his name angrily. "Have you gone insane?"

"I agree with Guide Noh Yuno-ssi," Bambi said, stopping Ki Gayoon from throwing a tantrum. "Esteemed Espers, please leave the room."

Ryu Sungbin, Lee Sarang, Matthew, and Jin Sooin immediately got up from their seats and left the room without making a fuss.

Wow.

They really follow Team Leader Bambi-ssi’s every word.

"Esper Ki Gayoon-ssi, you should leave as well," Moon Noa said. "Go and accompany Haru-nim before he gets bored."

Ki Gayoon let out a frustrated sigh, but he got up and glared at Yuno before leaving the room.

Haaah.

Yuno didn’t show it, but he was pretty nervous.

Hyung is really pissed.

***

"I KNEW you’d get kicked out."

Tsk.

Ki Gayoon was already annoyed that he was kicked out of the room, and it didn’t help that Haru had to tease him about it.

He found the dethroned Crown Prince in the café on the 3rd floor of the National Guide Bureau’s HQ (where the meeting was being held). Had he known Haru was wasting time there, he would have just bought a canned coffee from the vending machine.

"Gayoon-san, join me."

As expected of my punk.

***